The UFC Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, secured victory against Charles Oliveira in their eagerly anticipated showdown at UFC 280 on 22 October 2022. Nevertheless, the Brazilian star earned the rematch after defeating Beneil Dariush at UFC 289. Now, Makhachev and Oliveira are set to headline the UFC 294 main event on October 21st, 2023. However, Oliveira expressed reservations about the rematch taking place in Abu Dhabi during a recent interview with James Lynch. In response, Makhachev took to Twitter to address the Brazilian fighter.
‘Do Bronx’ has been pushing for a fight against Makhachev in Brazil. However, similar to their previous encounter, this bout is set to happen in Abu Dhabi, a venue where he has had less-than-pleasant memories. Last time, not only did he suffer a defeat, but he also had to endure a chorus of boos from the audience.
Islam Makhachev claps back at Charles Oliveira
The former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira sat down for an interview with James Lynch to promote his upcoming fight. During the interview, he was asked if it was fair to fight Makhachev again in Abu Dhabi. Oliveira said:
“[I] don’t necessarily think it’s fair, but it’s the game. You know, that’s where the champion is. He calls the shots, but I’m coming back for my belt.” (2:04 – 2:22)
The Middle East is an ideal location for Islam Makhachev to compete, given his substantial fan base in the region, which provides invaluable support for athletes.
Nevertheless, in his defense, Makhachev has stated his readiness to fight anywhere. The Dagestani slammed the former champion for making such remarks. He said:
“Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans, I am a UFC fighter like you,never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered, my last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyrd, simple, everything you say makes no sense“
Charles, I asked to fight in US in the summer, but UFC has other plans, I am a UFC fighter like you,never set the conditions for the UFC and fought where they offered, my last fight took place in Australia at the challenger’s backyrd, simple, everything you say makes no sense
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 2, 2023
The UFC lightweight champion mentioned that his last fight was in Australia against the homeboy Alexander Volkanovski to make his point. Both Oliveira and Makhachev are vigorously preparing for the fight. However, ‘Do Bronx’ revealed he won’t change his strategy for the rematch.
Oliveira sticking to his guns for the rematch
During the same interview with James Lynch, ‘Do Bronx‘ revealed that he wouldn’t change his fighting style for the rematch. He just wants to ‘simply be Charles’. Although he lost the first fight via submission, he will be using the same strategy for revenge.
Also, the former UFC lightweight champion stated he is laser-focused on just winning. Whether it is via a TKO or a submission doesn’t matter to him. He said:
“To be fair, I just want to win. However it is, however, I get it done, I don’t care. I just want to get my arm raised.” (7:23 – 7:34)
Makhachev and Oliveira were both boasting impressive win streaks. However, the Russian-based fighter emerged victorious in their previous encounter. Now, it’s crucial for Oliveira to secure a win to solidify his legacy, while for Makhachev, another victory would silence his critics once more.
